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Voice problems amongst primary school teachers in Singapore
Tze Choong Charn1, Paul Kan Hwei Mok
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Yishun Central, Singapore, Singapore.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Primary school teachers in Singapore experience significant voice problems, with prevalence increasing over time. Reflux, microphone use, and allergic rhinitis are key risk factors contributing to vocal attrition in this high-risk profession.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Speech and hearing science
- Public health
Background:
- Teachers are recognized as a high-risk group for voice disorders.
- Previous research on teacher voice problems is predominantly Western, lacking regional data.
- This study addresses the gap by investigating Singaporean primary school teachers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of voice problems among primary school teachers in Singapore.
- To identify risk factors associated with voice disorders in this population.
- To inform the development of targeted prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 214 full-time primary school teachers across six schools.
- Teachers reported voice problem history (current, past year, career).
- Videolaryngostroboscopy was performed for teachers with current voice issues; multivariate analyses identified risk factors.
Main Results:
- Point prevalence of voice problems was 13.1%, past year prevalence was 25.4%, and career prevalence was 32.1%.
- Significant risk factors for current voice disorders included reflux symptoms and microphone usage.
- Factors like allergic rhinitis, hypothyroid-like symptoms, and teaching arts/theater were linked to past year and career voice problems.
Conclusions:
- Teaching is confirmed as a profession with a high risk of voice problems.
- Identified risk factors (reflux, microphone use, allergic rhinitis, etc.) are significant and biologically plausible.
- There is a critical need for educational and healthcare bodies to implement comprehensive voice care and prevention programs for teachers.
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